ENVIRONMENT

Since you are reading this, you’re probably either genuinely interested in protecting the environment, or skeptically wondering how we treat the environment. In a world full of companies marketing themselves as green, we don't want to be just another company jumping on the band wagon and using environmental responsibility as a marketing pitch. But we are committed to treating the environment responsibly. In fact, this is consistent with Kolo’s values overall. We are trying to better the world in our small way, not just take from it.

First and foremost, we feel the most important aspect of being green is minimizing the environmental impact of what we do. We take pride in making something special, something that will last, something very meaningful to people. Kolo Photo Albums and Photo Books are archival. They are meant to hold treasures and, quite frankly, to last centuries. The very nature of our products is non-disposable, and therefore they rarely end up in landfills.

All of us are concerned about our surroundings... about how materials impact our lives positively and negatively, short term as well as long term.

As we develop our products, we try to balance consumer needs for quality, functionality, aesthetics and convenience, with environmental sensitivity and compatibility. We partner only with suppliers who understand and share our efforts, and in turn help us carefully develop our raw materials, which pass stringent quality and environmental standards.

We are far from perfect, but with each passing year we hope that our continued efforts will help improve our environment and promote a positive change. We appreciate our customers for helping us contribute our bit in making this world a better place to live.

SUSTAINABLE RAW MATERIAL

We use sustainable raw materials and recyclable materials.

The book-cloth used on our products is made of natural fibers and is fully recyclable. We choose fine European mills that ensure that the production processes of these book-cloths are water-based, without the use of heavy metals, solvents, resins or other toxic chemicals, and are in compliance with international environmental regulations. Simultaneously, we achieve high quality standards for color, texture, aesthetics and durability.

We minimize the direct environmental impact. No Chlorine used.

Chlorine is very widely used in the paper industry to break down the lignin that binds wood fibers. Chlorine is primarily used to bleach paper. Byproducts of chlorine - dioxin and other organochlorines - remain in the effluent. These byproducts do not break down easily, are passed on in the waterways and remain in the environment. They are highly toxic and carcinogenic.

Our paper is made by chlorine-free bleaching processes. Hydrogen peroxide serves as a safe and effective alternative to chlorine in the paper industry, and this is how the paper in our products is made.

Another chemical that is widely used in the paper industry, which poses a threat to the environment, is the Optical Brightening Agent (also known as Fluorescent Brightening Agent). Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs), generally Stilbene derivatives, are used in the paper industry to increase the brightness of paper. They mask the yellowing of paper by absorbing UV light and emitting back in the visible range. OBAs are toxic and are not easily biodegradable.

OBAs are not used in the making of our paper, thus eliminating the toxins and making minimal use of chemicals. This is better for the environment, and better for your photos, ensuring genuine archival and acid-free storage.

CONSERVATION

We promote responsible forestry practices.

We choose from suppliers that promote responsible forestry practices. Farm raised trees are used in making the paper we use in our products. Like the food we eat, when farmed responsibly, trees and cotton used in the production of paper can be grown responsibly in a renewable way. The forest stewardship and Sustainable Forestry Initiative ensures that manufacturers comply with all applicable laws to protect the environment, workers, and local communities. This proactively improves forest practices, in turn protecting the water quality and natural habitat that forms the key element of the environment. It also fosters prompt reforestation of harvested sites.

RECYCLED CONTENT

We use recycled content.

The fiber content of the bonded leather products we make is comprised of 100% recycled fibers. The fibers are bonded together by natural latex, a renewable resource attained from trees without actually harming any trees. The fibers that are trimmed from the suede side of leather hides during the process of skiving (making the hide the required thickness) are generally used in the production of bonded leather, which otherwise would have been sent to landfills. Kolo’s bonded leather is “pre-consumer recycled leather” that springs to life the otherwise discarded leather hide fibers. Our bonded leather products have the same aesthetics of genuine leather, as they are tannery made, using the same equipment and methods used for genuine leather, and are unsurpassed in quality and durability.

AVOIDING WASTE

We manufacture durable products and avoid waste.

First and foremost, we feel the most important aspect of being green is minimizing the environmental impact of what we do. We take pride in making something special, something that will last, something very meaningful to people. Kolo Photo Albums and Photo Books are archival. They are meant to hold treasures and, quite frankly, to last centuries. The very nature of our products is non-disposable, and therefore they rarely end up in landfills.

In the simplest sense, "archival" means that the materials (e.g. paper) will resist decomposing, disintegrating, discoloring or reacting to other materials over time. In other words, an archival material won't harm your treasured photographs or memorabilia. Specifically, an archival product must be "acid free" (a pH higher than 7.0), "lignin free," and proven to be stable over time.

Say No to Landfill. Buy it Once!

The best way to reduce landfill is to buy products of quality that last. That is why our goal is to offer well made "tools". Tools built to last.